Die Killer-Meute

An average entry into the poliziottesco genre. The movie seems to be just a bunch of crime set pieces strung together with no real central plot. Some of the actions scenes are well done though (no CGI), and the gritty 70s scenery is always fun to watch. There are much better films in this genre.

WEAPONS OF DEATH is an unexpected and unusual sequel to the Lenzi hit VIOLENT NAPLES. Sadly, Lenzi doesn't return for this production, although Mario Caiano is a more than able replacement, and neither does Maurizio Merli as the tough protagonist. He's replaced by the less beefier Leonard Mann, who's less imposing but equally tough. The one returning character is the kid whose father owned a garage in the first film, but other than that this tells the typical story of an endless crimewave and a head honcho bad guy, played with menacing relish by Henry Silva. The plot is brisk and the action brisker, with limitless stylish vehicle chases through the streets of Naples and all manner of shoot-outs. Great fun!

Weapons of Death is not the most original Polizi flick you're ever likely to see, but that's not too much of a problem since the genre tends to borrow from itself often anyway. This film includes pretty much all the staples that you would expect from an Italian crime flick, and it has to be said that prolific director Mario Caiano has pretty much hit the nail on the head as Weapons of Death features no shortage of car chases, shootouts and cool characters. The plot is just your basic Polizi stuff, and focuses on a city where crime is taking over - with organised robberies becoming the norm. Naturally, the police don't take too kindly to this and it's not long before Captain Beady decides to do something about it and soon identifies gangster Santoro as one of the causes of the problem. However, getting something to pin on Santoro is not all that easy as despite plenty of criminal acts pointing to him - the man always has an alibi. This plot is run parallel with a less interesting tale revolving around a young kid, himself getting into crime.

The fact that the film isn't very original doesn't really affect the enjoyment level of it much as the director keeps things going with a constant stream of action. The film features a strong cast which features Henry Silva as the lead villain; and despite being horribly dubbed, he cuts a menacing figure. His opposite number is Leonard Mann who fits into the role as the hard-bitten copper much better than I thought he would considering his 'pretty boy' looks. The film also features an all too brief performance from the beautiful Evelyn Stewart. I would not rate this film as one of the more violent Polizi flicks, but it certainly has its moments - a castration springs to mind instantly. The way the plot works helps to keep things interesting too; there are a number of things going on in the film, sometimes certain parts of it feel irrelevant, but it's usually brought together by the end. The plot line revolving around the young kid is slightly irritating (particularly the music) and it's always obvious that it's going to lead into a ham-fisted moral lesson; but that's by the by and in spite of it, Weapons of Death is still an excellent Italian crime flick!

I'm not sure I agree this is a classic example of the '70s Italian crime film genre, but it certainly is a solid example of one. Personally, I felt that the classic examples, the best of the genre, were put together better. I agree with the comment that said it was a bit slap-dash. Has an odd combination of interesting plot twists and real agonizing drawn out "you know xyz is going to happen". The latter are pretty trite and that's not something I'm used to seeing in the genre and I think it's weak that way. But for all the other reasons you watch one of these, it's a solid example, so I'm giving it 6/10. The scenes of Naples are fun and stitch the whole thing together.

Food suggestion: pizza margherita and a cheeky red wine

I have always craved for Polizziotescos, the Italian crime films from the seventies. All violent, brutal, bloody macho flicks, showing Italian but also American actors - here Henry Silva. Henry Silva plays the gangster, a nasty character - but I don't remember Henry Silva playing a cop. I mean, as far as I know, maybe he did...That said, this movie is not the best Polizziotesco ever, just a tough, gritty one. Not at the level of the Damiano Damiani, Fernando Di Leo or Umberto Lenzi's films. However, this movie is a must see for Italian crime flicks lovers. I don't know any of the actors, except Henry Silva.